URGENT battery help needed (with Optima battery info) 3G Garage #A-089
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
URGENT battery help needed (with Optima battery info) 3G Garage #A-089
My OEM battery has given up the ghost at 50.8k miles. I had the car jumped this morning, but it won't start again. Have an out of town road trip coming up tomorrow. Need new battery, STAT!
My dealer is willing to install another OEM battery for $105 (installed). I say bunk to buying another crap battery. My local Sears has Optima yellow batteries. They don't have the 35/24 series required for our TLs and the Optima site doesn't even list an application for the TL.
What is the correct Optima yellow battery for the TL? If I can't find it today, I'l have to go with OEM for now and then buy an Optima online after my road trip.
Thanks in advance!
My dealer is willing to install another OEM battery for $105 (installed). I say bunk to buying another crap battery. My local Sears has Optima yellow batteries. They don't have the 35/24 series required for our TLs and the Optima site doesn't even list an application for the TL.
What is the correct Optima yellow battery for the TL? If I can't find it today, I'l have to go with OEM for now and then buy an Optima online after my road trip.
Thanks in advance!
#2
05WDP Midlife crisis
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#3
now with four rings
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bixby, OK
Age: 42
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
are yellow Optima batteries better than Interstate batteries? ...and yes, i'm asking this w/o searching first, so don't hate...
interstate batteries for 2004 TL...
interstate batteries for 2004 TL...
#4
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA
Age: 42
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
I work for Kragen Auto Parts (may be called Checkers/Schucks depending on your location) and you can get an Orbital battery ($135) and the size would be Group 78 or ORB78DT-84. Carries a 2-years free replacement from CSK Auto and has 900+ CCA.
#6
now with four rings
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bixby, OK
Age: 42
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
so interstate makes optima, but optima is priced a lot higher...is that their top battery or something...?
8014-045 OPTIMA 34-78 YELLOW TOP DEEP CYCLE BATTERY - $190
Interstate MTP-24F - Mega-Tron Plus - 85 Months - 800 CCA - $111
just curious for when it comes time to replace my battery....also, our TL lets us know when it's time to replace the battery, doesn't it? i think i remember reading that somewhere...
8014-045 OPTIMA 34-78 YELLOW TOP DEEP CYCLE BATTERY - $190
Interstate MTP-24F - Mega-Tron Plus - 85 Months - 800 CCA - $111
just curious for when it comes time to replace my battery....also, our TL lets us know when it's time to replace the battery, doesn't it? i think i remember reading that somewhere...
#7
Iro Ridg .308
this thread may help:
https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/mp3-list-129655/
red top and yellow top come in same sizes.
https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/mp3-list-129655/
red top and yellow top come in same sizes.
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Thank you. You guys rock. The reason I asked was because many threads show people buying or pushing Optimas, but no one except Special-ed had actually installed one in their TL, so I wasn't sure of the size.
My local Sears has the Optima 34-78 Yellow battery for $187 (about the same as some online places). Will be picking up tonight.
My local Sears has the Optima 34-78 Yellow battery for $187 (about the same as some online places). Will be picking up tonight.
#10
Gratis dictum
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
Interstate Batteries makes the Optima Battery. FYI.
#11
Ryan Christopher
Originally Posted by rimz
so interstate makes optima, but optima is priced a lot higher...is that their top battery or something...?
8014-045 OPTIMA 34-78 YELLOW TOP DEEP CYCLE BATTERY - $190
Interstate MTP-24F - Mega-Tron Plus - 85 Months - 800 CCA - $111
just curious for when it comes time to replace my battery....also, our TL lets us know when it's time to replace the battery, doesn't it? i think i remember reading that somewhere...
8014-045 OPTIMA 34-78 YELLOW TOP DEEP CYCLE BATTERY - $190
Interstate MTP-24F - Mega-Tron Plus - 85 Months - 800 CCA - $111
just curious for when it comes time to replace my battery....also, our TL lets us know when it's time to replace the battery, doesn't it? i think i remember reading that somewhere...
#12
Safety Car
Originally Posted by Repecat
Interstate Batteries does not make any batteries. Johnson Controls manufactures batteries sold by Interstate as well as many Sears batteries.
Interstate Battery System of America, Inc., informally known as Interstate Batteries, is a privately-owned company that markets automotive batteries manufactured by Johnson Controls through a system of local independent distributors. These distributors service dealers that mainly include car dealerships and repair shops. Recently, they've started to open "All Battery Centers" which sell batteries for different electronic and cordless devices as well as those for cars.
The company's current owner and chairman, Norm Miller, is a born-again Christian who promotes biblical values. Miller, along with fellow Texan Tom McRae, is a cofounder of the annual Great Race for antique vehicles; and Interstate Batteries remains a primary sponsor of the event. Interstate Batteries is also a cosponsor for Joe Gibbs Racing car #18.
Interstate Batteries is based in Dallas, Texas.
#13
Iro Ridg .308
hey neuron, since you're in OH, you might want to consider the red top since if memory serves me right, it'll give you a little more juice for cold cranking amps.
Yellow top is good if you really plan on stacking a few extra amps in the trunk to power your "boomin' system."
Yellow top is good if you really plan on stacking a few extra amps in the trunk to power your "boomin' system."
#14
Instructor
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Katy, TX
Age: 39
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay so I just had to replace tires and with the help of a good friend made it thru the purchase without loosing my mind. I need a little schooling on batteries PLEASE. What is the best kind for our car? Why is the OEM not good? Where can I get the best battery for my car? What size battery do I need? I don't need one yet - but could I buy it to have it on hand? Help. Thanks Brooke
#15
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by rimz
so interstate makes optima, but optima is priced a lot higher...is that their top battery or something...?
8014-045 OPTIMA 34-78 YELLOW TOP DEEP CYCLE BATTERY - $190
Interstate MTP-24F - Mega-Tron Plus - 85 Months - 800 CCA - $111
just curious for when it comes time to replace my battery....also, our TL lets us know when it's time to replace the battery, doesn't it? i think i remember reading that somewhere...
8014-045 OPTIMA 34-78 YELLOW TOP DEEP CYCLE BATTERY - $190
Interstate MTP-24F - Mega-Tron Plus - 85 Months - 800 CCA - $111
just curious for when it comes time to replace my battery....also, our TL lets us know when it's time to replace the battery, doesn't it? i think i remember reading that somewhere...
Just an FYI...stock Acura battery for the 3G TL is a size 35/24 and has 550 CCA, as I just learned from my service rep. It was apparently enough to get me through three winters, but 800 CCA gives me extra peace of mind.
Originally Posted by special-ed
hey neuron, since you're in OH, you might want to consider the red top since if memory serves me right, it'll give you a little more juice for cold cranking amps.
Yellow top is good if you really plan on stacking a few extra amps in the trunk to power your "boomin' system."
Yellow top is good if you really plan on stacking a few extra amps in the trunk to power your "boomin' system."
Originally Posted by KatyTL
Why is the OEM not good? Where can I get the best battery for my car? What size battery do I need? I don't need one yet - but could I buy it to have it on hand? Help. Thanks Brooke
Thanks again, all!
#17
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by special-ed
wow, surpised the 34/78 yellow top didn't fit especially since my 34/78 redtop fit with no problems at all??
#19
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
The dealer's mechanics apparently didn't know how to do that.
The issue is the location of the battery posts. The stock has the negative terminal on the opposite side from the Optima, and are closer together. The mechanic said he couldn't stretch the wiring far enough. Hard to believe. Thinking about it after the fact, it would have been a simple matter of turning the battery around. Duh.
The issue is the location of the battery posts. The stock has the negative terminal on the opposite side from the Optima, and are closer together. The mechanic said he couldn't stretch the wiring far enough. Hard to believe. Thinking about it after the fact, it would have been a simple matter of turning the battery around. Duh.
#21
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Phoenix...Greatest City on Earth
Age: 72
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Yellow top is a deep cycle and more for marine use. If you have a lot of extra stereo stuff, etc, it might not be too bad of an idea to use that. Otherwise, red tops are best for automotive use. Get the Optima mounting kit while you're there.
But I just replaced the battery in my wife's Aviator last week. I decided to go with a Die Hard with a full 3 year replacement warranty. It was still $100...but cheaper than the Optima. The deciding factor for me was it's tough to get a battery to perform up to specs after about 2 years here in the desert. I was told this can hold true for the Optima too. This heat just kills batteries, tires, and brakes. If I'm going to have to replace it in 2 or 3 years anyway, the Die Hard just made more sense. Besides...it was a factory fit where the Optima would have had to be jury rigged.
But I just replaced the battery in my wife's Aviator last week. I decided to go with a Die Hard with a full 3 year replacement warranty. It was still $100...but cheaper than the Optima. The deciding factor for me was it's tough to get a battery to perform up to specs after about 2 years here in the desert. I was told this can hold true for the Optima too. This heat just kills batteries, tires, and brakes. If I'm going to have to replace it in 2 or 3 years anyway, the Die Hard just made more sense. Besides...it was a factory fit where the Optima would have had to be jury rigged.
#22
Ryan Christopher
Originally Posted by CobraGuy
Yellow top is a deep cycle and more for marine use. If you have a lot of extra stereo stuff, etc, it might not be too bad of an idea to use that. Otherwise, red tops are best for automotive use. Get the Optima mounting kit while you're there.
But I just replaced the battery in my wife's Aviator last week. I decided to go with a Die Hard with a full 3 year replacement warranty. It was still $100...but cheaper than the Optima. The deciding factor for me was it's tough to get a battery to perform up to specs after about 2 years here in the desert. I was told this can hold true for the Optima too. This heat just kills batteries, tires, and brakes. If I'm going to have to replace it in 2 or 3 years anyway, the Die Hard just made more sense. Besides...it was a factory fit where the Optima would have had to be jury rigged.
But I just replaced the battery in my wife's Aviator last week. I decided to go with a Die Hard with a full 3 year replacement warranty. It was still $100...but cheaper than the Optima. The deciding factor for me was it's tough to get a battery to perform up to specs after about 2 years here in the desert. I was told this can hold true for the Optima too. This heat just kills batteries, tires, and brakes. If I'm going to have to replace it in 2 or 3 years anyway, the Die Hard just made more sense. Besides...it was a factory fit where the Optima would have had to be jury rigged.
The spiral cell battery will handle a drain better then a standard battery, but with any lead acid battery, it will still damage the battery. The red top I had in my Prelude took a beating, and held up nicely. The other thing about the optima is the fact that you dont have to worry about the cell ever breaking loose due to vibration. As said before, this battery can also be mounted in the trunk at any angle, and they are also available in the 51r style needed for the supercharger guys.
#23
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by neuronbob
My OEM battery has given up the ghost at 50.8k miles. I had the car jumped this morning, but it won't start again. Have an out of town road trip coming up tomorrow. Need new battery, STAT!
My dealer is willing to install another OEM battery for $105 (installed). I say bunk to buying another crap battery. My local Sears has Optima yellow batteries. They don't have the 35/24 series required for our TLs and the Optima site doesn't even list an application for the TL.
What is the correct Optima yellow battery for the TL? If I can't find it today, I'l have to go with OEM for now and then buy an Optima online after my road trip.
Thanks in advance!
My dealer is willing to install another OEM battery for $105 (installed). I say bunk to buying another crap battery. My local Sears has Optima yellow batteries. They don't have the 35/24 series required for our TLs and the Optima site doesn't even list an application for the TL.
What is the correct Optima yellow battery for the TL? If I can't find it today, I'l have to go with OEM for now and then buy an Optima online after my road trip.
Thanks in advance!
#24
Safety Car
The yellow top has less CCA than the Red Top. For automotive use the RED top is still better. Yellow top if you have big stereo equipment.
The RED is only around $120-130 at O'Reileys or Advance Autoparts. It also comes with a 3 year full replacement warranty and something like 7-8 year prorated. It has the best warranty in the market and will out last a plain old Die Hard even in the Summer heat of Arizona.
The RED is only around $120-130 at O'Reileys or Advance Autoparts. It also comes with a 3 year full replacement warranty and something like 7-8 year prorated. It has the best warranty in the market and will out last a plain old Die Hard even in the Summer heat of Arizona.
#25
Oderint dum metuant.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Lake Wylie
Age: 46
Posts: 12,496
Likes: 0
Received 534 Likes
on
446 Posts
Originally Posted by neuronbob
The dealer's mechanics apparently didn't know how to do that.
The issue is the location of the battery posts. The stock has the negative terminal on the opposite side from the Optima, and are closer together. The mechanic said he couldn't stretch the wiring far enough. Hard to believe. Thinking about it after the fact, it would have been a simple matter of turning the battery around. Duh.
The issue is the location of the battery posts. The stock has the negative terminal on the opposite side from the Optima, and are closer together. The mechanic said he couldn't stretch the wiring far enough. Hard to believe. Thinking about it after the fact, it would have been a simple matter of turning the battery around. Duh.
#26
Ryan Christopher
Originally Posted by pimpin-tl
The yellow top has less CCA than the Red Top. For automotive use the RED top is still better. Yellow top if you have big stereo equipment.
The RED is only around $120-130 at O'Reileys or Advance Autoparts. It also comes with a 3 year full replacement warranty and something like 7-8 year prorated. It has the best warranty in the market and will out last a plain old Die Hard even in the Summer heat of Arizona.
The RED is only around $120-130 at O'Reileys or Advance Autoparts. It also comes with a 3 year full replacement warranty and something like 7-8 year prorated. It has the best warranty in the market and will out last a plain old Die Hard even in the Summer heat of Arizona.
#28
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by chill_dog
The dealer wanted to sell you a battery . Have a safe road trip!
Duh! But at least it was a pretty good battery and we cut a deal--those batteries are more expensive elsewhere locally.
They tried to offer me a stock TL battery (they are made by Delco) for the same price. I said "NO!" and asked what other brands they carried. They carried a couple others, as it turned out. I chose the Interstate and we haggled--I used their free wifi to price the battery online! hehehehehehe.
If I hadn't had a road trip coming up, I would have just changed the battery myself. The main reason I went to the dealer was because I needed an oil change prior to this 3k mile + trip...
Once I get to Colorado, I would like to submit this thread for the Garage--I looked for lots of info here about the Optima batteries and couldn't find everything. It's now all in this thread......I love this place, you all rock!
#29
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
Glad you got it kinda worked out. Just curious what are you communicating with, laptop, tablet, smartphone? Hope this is a vacation and a good one.
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Posting from the road....
Duh! But at least it was a pretty good battery and we cut a deal--those batteries are more expensive elsewhere locally.
They tried to offer me a stock TL battery (they are made by Delco) for the same price. I said "NO!" and asked what other brands they carried. They carried a couple others, as it turned out. I chose the Interstate and we haggled--I used their free wifi to price the battery online! hehehehehehe.
If I hadn't had a road trip coming up, I would have just changed the battery myself. The main reason I went to the dealer was because I needed an oil change prior to this 3k mile + trip...
Once I get to Colorado, I would like to submit this thread for the Garage--I looked for lots of info here about the Optima batteries and couldn't find everything. It's now all in this thread......I love this place, you all rock!
Duh! But at least it was a pretty good battery and we cut a deal--those batteries are more expensive elsewhere locally.
They tried to offer me a stock TL battery (they are made by Delco) for the same price. I said "NO!" and asked what other brands they carried. They carried a couple others, as it turned out. I chose the Interstate and we haggled--I used their free wifi to price the battery online! hehehehehehe.
If I hadn't had a road trip coming up, I would have just changed the battery myself. The main reason I went to the dealer was because I needed an oil change prior to this 3k mile + trip...
Once I get to Colorado, I would like to submit this thread for the Garage--I looked for lots of info here about the Optima batteries and couldn't find everything. It's now all in this thread......I love this place, you all rock!
#30
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Nope, laptop with free hotel wifi.
Yup, it's a well-deserved vacation......taking the new baby to meet his other set of grandparents in Colorado....
Yup, it's a well-deserved vacation......taking the new baby to meet his other set of grandparents in Colorado....
#32
All About Trance
My battery had crapped out on me this afternoon after owning the car for 14 months with 24,176 miles on it, and not an issue yesterday. After getting a jump from Acura TLC, I drove to AutoZone to get an Optima Red Top battery. It took me ages to get the damn terminals to connect. Finally, I took off the battery tray and was able to stretch the positive terminal to the battery and all is good now. I had posted this earlier in Problems & Fixes.
#33
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Phoenix...Greatest City on Earth
Age: 72
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Black_05_TL_6SP
Your right, the redtop does offer more CCA, and the Yellow is a Deep cycle for Hydrolics, stereos and high load equipment. Here is a quick reference for the 2.
By the way, Costco has excellent prices on Optima batteries. They always seem to be out of red tops though. But I think the red top goes for just over $100 IIRC and $145 for the yellow top.
#35
05 TL
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: San Antonio
Age: 45
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just installed a 34R Optima battery.
I just had to move the battery a tad more toward the ground to make it reach.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
I just had to move the battery a tad more toward the ground to make it reach.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
#36
Good Thread to Save
My battery died and left me stranded this weekend (05 TL Auto, 18 months, 19K miles).
I will definitely look to upgrade very soon.
It is amazing and also confusing to me that the Info Display can provide a warning for when the tire air pressure is low, or the gas cap is open, but there is no warning for low bat.?
I got a tow from Acura Roadside, they were pretty good in the sense that they stay in touch with you, ie "Tow Truck will arrive in 90 minutes", and it did exactly that, and they called to confirm again again and again.
Never-the-less, a battery should be able to last longer than 18 months. When I was at my dealer they were like "We know....from all the 04's that have come..."
Until I upgrade this OEM I will have to open the hood every month to look for the little green light indicator I guess. It is better than getting stranded.
I will definitely look to upgrade very soon.
It is amazing and also confusing to me that the Info Display can provide a warning for when the tire air pressure is low, or the gas cap is open, but there is no warning for low bat.?
I got a tow from Acura Roadside, they were pretty good in the sense that they stay in touch with you, ie "Tow Truck will arrive in 90 minutes", and it did exactly that, and they called to confirm again again and again.
Never-the-less, a battery should be able to last longer than 18 months. When I was at my dealer they were like "We know....from all the 04's that have come..."
Until I upgrade this OEM I will have to open the hood every month to look for the little green light indicator I guess. It is better than getting stranded.
#37
Just to add some information to this thread.
Batteries life is deeply shorthened when exposed to high temperatures (95 deg F and more).
It does not need to be 95 deg outside for this to occur as you drive around the engine heat is dissipated but when you park you car and shut off the engine, all the heat from the engine has nowhere to go and heat the engine bay compartment.
There are 2 things that car battery manufacurers and dealers love. Extreme cold weather and Hot Scorching weather. Those are the 2 most prevalent times when a car battery will go south!
Some car manufacurers even when to the extent of having insulating battery blankets installed at the facory to minimize warranty replacement.
best regards
frenchnew
Batteries life is deeply shorthened when exposed to high temperatures (95 deg F and more).
It does not need to be 95 deg outside for this to occur as you drive around the engine heat is dissipated but when you park you car and shut off the engine, all the heat from the engine has nowhere to go and heat the engine bay compartment.
There are 2 things that car battery manufacurers and dealers love. Extreme cold weather and Hot Scorching weather. Those are the 2 most prevalent times when a car battery will go south!
Some car manufacurers even when to the extent of having insulating battery blankets installed at the facory to minimize warranty replacement.
best regards
frenchnew
#38
Instructor
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Central Coast Cali
Age: 42
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know this is a late post but i have to throw in my 2 cents. Ive have dealed with red, yellow, and blue top optima batteries. They are all pretty good. Ive have used them in mostly in generators and aircraft support equipment. Way better than an standard lead-acid battery.
1. You never have to worry about the battery drying out on you ( you have to make sure the battery has enough liquid ).
2. Sealed so you dont have to worry about spilling
3. Holds a better charge longer
4. High CCA's
5. Even you end up with a dead optima most places will give you cash back for returning an dead one back in.
6. When you end up with an dead optima its very easy to recharge the battery up "near brand new" status still holding a good charge.
So if you want a good battery I would recommend shelling some extra bucks for an optima. Never used it myself on my cars only because everytime I need a new one they are never in stock >_<.
1. You never have to worry about the battery drying out on you ( you have to make sure the battery has enough liquid ).
2. Sealed so you dont have to worry about spilling
3. Holds a better charge longer
4. High CCA's
5. Even you end up with a dead optima most places will give you cash back for returning an dead one back in.
6. When you end up with an dead optima its very easy to recharge the battery up "near brand new" status still holding a good charge.
So if you want a good battery I would recommend shelling some extra bucks for an optima. Never used it myself on my cars only because everytime I need a new one they are never in stock >_<.
#40
Safety Car
Originally Posted by acura911
hey what's up so i need help what is the right part number for the yellow top battery?please help thanks